FTSE 100 shakes off nuclear fears

30 August 2017 | 08:47am

StockMarketWire.com - The FTSE 100 added 0.55% to 7,377.75 on Wednesday morning, shaking off yesterday's fears over North Korea.

WH Smith (SMWH) edged up 0.32% to 1,855p after saying its travel business is continuing to deliver a strong performance, with good sales across all channels. Group results for the year to 31 August 2017 are expected to be in line with expectations.

James Fisher (FSJ) hiked its dividend by 10% after underlying profits rose by 7% to £21.3 million in the first half. The shares added 2.67% to 1,577p.

Diploma (DPLM) said it continued to trade well in the second half of the year and it remained on track to report results for the full year in line with expectations. The upbeat trading statement boosted the share price by 3.75% to 1,066.5p.

HSS Hire Group (HSS) slumped 18.23% to 45.38p after posting an adjusted pre-tax loss of £14.2m for the 26 weeks to 1 July compared with a profit of £2.2m a year ago. Revenue fell by 3.4% to £160.5m and adjusted EBITDA was down 46.7% at £17.1m.

Lighthouse Group (LGT) gained 2.74% to 18.75p on news it has agreed a new contract with The Social Workers Union to be the preferred provider of financial advice to its members.

Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

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